Dalton Brumbaugh
What it means to be a furry
“Consisting of or resembling fur (wikifur.org, “Furry”).” These objects are the well-known focus of a caste of the geek sub-culture known as the furry fandom. The furry fandom’s members typically call themselves “furries”. There are variations on this idea, the two primary variations are “scalies” and “avians” interested in scaled and feathered creatures respectively. “[The] furry fandom is a fandom for fictional anthropomorphic animal characters with human personalities and characteristics (Wikipedia.org, “Furry Fandom”).”“Someone who says they are furry is generally expressing an interest in [anthros] and/or creatures. They may express that interest in a variety of ways… How deep or meaningful [their interest] is varies greatly from person to person (wikifur.com, “Furry”).” This is amongst one of the best ways to describe it, but a simple way of putting it may be that “furries” are people with an expressed interest in creatures that are furry, (scaly, feathered, or whatever combination of the three).
The problem is that most art directed toward those of the fandom involves nudity, bestial situations, and/or vulgarity that is not commonly accepted in society as a respected form of art, while occasionally there is reason in some of the art, (animals have bestial tendency no matter what), there is far more pornography for the sake of pornography that is publicized at a far greater rate than the art of those both within and directed toward the fandom that is considered art for art’s sake. This has caused the connotation of “furry” meaning “sex-crazed person” and this is simply not the case, sexuality is present, evidently enough, but it doesn’t overrun those who consider themselves “furry”. “Fans are found in all corners of the world… We are bound together across the most daunting barriers by our mutual admiration for these creatures of myth and legend (anthrocon.org).” Your general furry is likely to have three primary aspects about them, affection for animals in general and admiration of one animal of their choice specifically, a scientific degree or college-education in a science-based field, “A large number of Furry fans are employed in the scientific or technical fields (anthrocon.org).” and a strength in one of the arts (literary, painting, drawing, etc.). Apart from this, the general furry is no different from the average citizen.
As a furry, I could explain to you the big differences in the fandom. Furries put themselves in different classifications, the three primary classes involved are ‘gamers’, ‘fursuiters’, and ‘furry lifestylers’. The gamers of the fandom are known to be the average person that enjoys games, but they focus on games involving furry art and anthros. Fursuiters are amongst the most unique individuals you will meet of the fandom and the best ambassadors of it; ‘”Fur suiters,’ like making and wearing animal costumes (xydexx.com).” They wear something along the lines of a mascot costume, typically these costumes will, however, have modifications to these costumes which enable the wearer to either look more ‘realistic’, ‘cooler’, or even just to let them wear the suit all day. Furry lifestylers are unique in their own way; this class has a variety of sub-classes and groupings but the basic gist amongst all of them is that their affinity to animals is more of a spiritual, emotional, or mental connection, or a combination of those three factors. They express themselves through expressions and ideals similar to that of the animal they most connect with; the degree to which this varies is what most sets the lifestylers apart. “Lifestylers tend to identify more strongly than typical furries with their furry avatars, and often act out animalistic behaviors of them (wikifur.com, “Furry Lifestyler”).”
The furry fandom is not exactly new, in fact, it’s almost as old as civilization. The art presenting anthros, mythological creatures (from werewolves to gryphons), and others are present in Ancient Greek, Roman, even Mesopotamian and Mayan societies. This art featuring “humanized animals” is so ingrained into our society that we find it anywhere and everywhere. Sonic the Hedgehog, Starfox, even Bugs Bunny, just to name a few of the beings the fandom adores. From videogames today, to ancient mythologies, there is art present for those who seek it depicting the primary focus of furries, a creature (myth or not) that has somewhat human characteristics or tendencies. Furries simply actively do what those mythologies did, pursue a better understanding of humankind, “[Our] admiration for these creatures of myth and legend who, by simple reflection, grant us a better window into understanding our own natures (anthrocon.org).”
In the end, being a furry is appreciating the animal kingdom as an entity to be both respected and admired actively, rather than passively. As time continues on, the furry fandom will grow, continuing to flesh itself out and develop a meaning in its own right within society. Those claiming perversion make assumptions based upon bad press given freely to those that simply seek articles and members of the fandom out of perversion, in place of being an upstanding member of society and the fandom; this is amongst one of the many conditions to be tolerated within society as a whole, and not simply by one group or the other. Furries exist, much like any other group, for the sole purpose of self-expression and life in their own right; as humans, Americans especially, we are given the right to pursue happiness in our own way, be it by writing, drawing, playing music, building, or by dressing up in a costume. Furries merely seek their happiness, and celebrate their uniqueness, through the admiration of animals and mythological creatures.
Works Cited
"Furry Fandom." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 21 Mar. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furry>.
"Furry Lifestyler." Wikifur.com. Web. 21 Mar. 2011. <http://en.wikifur.com/wiki/Furry_lifestyle>.
"Furry." Wikifur. Web. 21 Mar. 2011. <http://en.wikifur.com/wiki/Furry>.
Larson, Alina. "FURRYFANDOM.INFO - Furry Fandom Infocenter - Fans of Furry Critters Convene to Help Mankind." ### XYDEXX - Little Surprises around Every Corner but Nothing Dangerous. ###. 23 Jan. 2003. Web. 21 Mar. 2011. <http://www.xydexx.com/anthrofurry/trivalley.htm>.
Muth, Douglas. "Just What IS "Furry" Fandom? | Anthrocon 2011: The Anthropomorphic Institute of Magic, June 23 to 26, 2011." Anthrocon 2011: The Anthropomorphic Institute of Magic, June 23 to 26, 2011 | "Fur, Fun, And So Much More!" 28 Mar. 2006. Web. 21 Mar. 2011. <http://www.anthrocon.org/about-furry>.
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